Gautam Gambhir got into Test reckoning with a fluent 79 in a practice game against Kwazulu Natal XI at the Crusaders Club in Durban on Friday.

The Delhi left-hander underlined his utility on a day when India's regular openers failed once again, as the team posted 174 for 5 by tea on the opening day of the two-day match.

Gambhir retired on 79 just before the break, but it was enough to convey his form and confidence.

The left-hander virtually toyed with the second-rate attack as he regularly bisected the field. He made mince-meat of leg-spinner Pillay, whom he clouted for most of the 40 runs the bowler conceded in his 10 overs. The knock earned more than a nod of approval from chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar.

Along with captain Rahul Dravid, he put on 116 runs for the third wicket before both batsmen retired in quick succession.

Dravid too was in complete control during his knock of 39 runs, made from 77 balls and inclusive of five fours.

Gambhir faced 101 balls and smashed eight fours and two sixes.

VVS Laxman (2) and Sourav Ganguly (4) were unbeaten at the break, trying to earn themselves some useful practice.

The Indians lost openers Wasim Jaffer and Virender Sehwag with only 49 on the board. Jaffer departed early for two and will be very lucky to make it to the team for the second Test.

Sehwag, in contrast, tried to bat with his characteristic freedom and muscled a few hits to the boundary and beyond despite a very heavy and slow outfield, but his dismissal in the second hour, like his partner, caught in first slip, makes him appear under-cooked.

Earlier, the game started an hour and 15 minutes late because of overnight rain but bright sun ensured play later in the first session.

The Indians decided to field every batsman and bowler in the game and no formal toss was done before the start.

Scorecard

Indians (Ist Innings):
Wasim Jaffer c Govind b Frylink 2
Virender Sehwag c Govind b Mhlongo 40
Gautam Ghambir retired 79
Rahul Dravid retired 39
VVS Laxman c Smith b McMillan 2
Sourav Ganguly batting 4
Irfan Pathan batting 1
Extras: (w-2, nb-3, lb-1) 6
Total: (for five wkts, 51 overs) 174

Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-49, 3-165, 4-166, 5-173.

Bowling: Govender 8-2-42-0, Frylink 13-0-37-1, Mhlongo 6-2-13-1, Y Singh 8-1-38-0, Pillay 10-2-40-0, McMillan 6-3-3-1.